Murphy Leads Ireland U-20s For Final Game

The Ireland Under-20 team (ponsored by PwC) to face Wales in their final game of the IRB Junior World Championship has been named.

Head coach Mike Ruddock has made a number of changes for the 7th-8th place play-off, including the addition of Banbridge clubman Jonathan Murphy in the replacements. He has been called into the squad to replace the injured Niall Annett.

In Annett's absence, back rower Jordi Murphy will captain the side.

Andrew Conway, who is one try away from equalling the competition's top try-scoring record of 10, moves to full-back as Craig Gilroy returns to the back-three. Tiernan O'Halloran is the player to make way.

Alex Kelly and the 18-year-old JJ Hanrahan will form the centre partnership, with James McKinney slotting in at out-half alongside Kieran Marmion.

In the forwards, Tadhg Furlong, who is also 18, is joined in the front row by Finlay Bealham and David Doyle, who started at openside flanker against South Africa last time out.

Daniel Qualter will start in the second row with the in-form Iain Henderson, while Shane Buckley and Aaron Conneely are restored to the back row.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ruddock said: "We looked fatigued last time out against South Africa and so I have made a number of changes for our fifth game of this tournament. Another short turnaround see us fighting it out for seventh spot with Wales.

"There was nothing between the two teams in the Six Nations earlier this season and both teams will be keen to end the tournament with a win."

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.